The National Oil Corporation (NOC) has declared a force majeure at the Sharara oil field, effective Wednesday, due to circumstances impeding its ability to carry out crude oil loading operations. In a statement, the NOC announced that the current conditions prevent crude oil loading, impacting production and halting exports at the Zawiya port. It emphasized that the force majeure will not apply to petroleum production loading and unloading operations and assured stakeholders that normal operations will resume once the issues are resolved. Despite these reports, the NOC accused the local protest group Fezzan Movement, which has previously disrupted operations at the field, of being responsible for the shutdown. However, Bashir Sheikh, leader of the Fezzan Movement, denied involvement, stating that Saddam ordered the shutdown in response to his attempted arrest.

Source: Libya Observer August 08, 2024 08:14 UTC